The smaller transistors become, the more atomic-scale variations in their size and structure affect their performance and thus the reliability of a whole circuit. This increased variability is a problem which presents a huge barrier to the continued scaling of microchips and the development of ever-more powerful computers and electronic systems.
The focus of MODERN (MOdeling and DEsign of Reliable, process variation-aware Nanoelectronic devices, circuits and systems) is to develop new design tools and methodology for transistors and circuits at the nanoscale which will enable the manufacturing of reliable, low cost, low electromagnetic interference, high-yield complex silicon chips and corresponding products using unreliable and variable devices.
Currently the lead semiconductor manufacturer is producing microchips with transistors less than 30 nanometres in size (a human hair is around 100,000 nanometres wide) but future transistors will have to be even smaller if computers are to continue to increase in power.
The project will involve 28 partners from across Europe. One of those taking part is Asen Asenov, a device modelling expert in Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Glasgow University who is an authority in statistical complementary metal-oxide semiconductor variability. Glasgow’s £1.5 million funding for the project comes from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Scottish Enterprise.
MODERN is managed by the European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council (ENIAC).
Glasgow is providing expertise in the physical simulation of statistical variability and reliability, statistical compact model extraction and statistical circuit simulation. The simulations will be conducted using variability simulation tools developed by the Glasgow Device Modelling Group over the last 10 years. One of the other partners is Glasgow spin-out Gold Standard Simulations Ltd, which will be providing services to the MODERN project.
Asenov said, “We invested heavily in variability research and in the development of variability simulation tools at a time when the industry was not fully aware of the gravity of the forthcoming variability problem. Now we are in the position to make significant contribution in tackling the variability challenge”.
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